Parents welcome financial boost after school group announces plan to freeze tuition fees
▶ Indian High Group of Schools says it aims to offer top education without increasing pressure on families
The Indian High Group of Schools will not increase tuition fees for the next academic year, despite having permission to introduce a 3 per cent rise.
The group’s management announced in a letter to parents that, despite increasing operational costs and inflation, fees would be frozen for the 20232024 academic year.
“We are, exactly as we did last year, yet again choosing to keep school tuition fees as is this year, maintaining the status quo,” said the group, which has three schools in Dubai.
It emphasised its commitment to ensuring it provides a high level of education to families across Dubai.
“We strongly believe it is imperative to support all our stakeholders in ensuring they have continual access to worldclass learning without having to face the added pressure of an increase in tuition fees,” the group said in its letter.
The non-profit group is licensed by the Community Development Authority.
The group is able increase fees by 3 per cent, with the education regulator in Dubai announcing this month that some private schools could raise fees by up to 6 per cent.
The group’s management said it would continue to invest in technology and subsidise after-school activities.
“We do believe that you understand the magnanimity and generosity of the board of trustees in remaining steadfast in their support for learners and their parents, in ignoring yet another opportunity to justifiably increase school fees,” it said in its letter.
Parents of pupils at schools run by the group welcomed the news.
“Whenever there is a fee freeze, it is a big relief for parents,” said Sheharzad Abdullah.
Her daughter, Aaisha, is a Grade 8 pupil at Indian High School Oud Metha, while her two sons – Grade 12 pupil Rahil, and Grade 2 pupil Eisa attend private schools in Sharjah.
“We pay Dh1,800, plus Dh1,200 as a monthly fee for both boys,” said Ms Abdullah, who attended the school in Oud Metha.
“Aaisha’s school is the most affordable at Dh750 a month.
“Affordability and quality are the main factors that matter to parents.
“Indian High School is the best option available in Dubai on both counts.”
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has
permitted some private schools to increase fees this year.
Ms Abdullah said a rise in education costs would have hit her family’s finances. “We also
have to pay for the school bus and other expenses,” she said.
“It is a big chunk of the income set aside for kids’ education. We are happy that the school is not going ahead with a fee hike this year.”
Abbas Iqbal, who has three children at the Indian High School in Al Garhoud, said freezing fees was in the best interests of parents.
His daughter, Nuha, is in Grade 4 and his son, Zidan, is in Grade 2.
“My youngest daughter, Nairah will start her kindergarten in April this year. That is three tuition fees starting this year,” Mr Iqbal said.
“Education is expensive in
Dubai and for parents who have two or three kids, that is one of the biggest long-term financial responsibilities.”
In addition to Dh2,500 in tuition fees, Mr Iqbal said he would need to pay a Dh300 transport fee for each of his children this year.
“I am the only working parent and keeping aside Dh5,000 at least for the kids’ education is a big deal for many middleincome families,” he said.
“Living expenses in Dubai have gone up and many families are facing rental increases too. A school fee increase at this point would have been an added burden.”
Dubai’s private education regulator said schools were permitted to increase tuition fees in the next academic year because of operational costs and the economic situation in the emirate.
Tuition fees at private schools were frozen for the past three academic years.
Only schools that maintained or improved their inspection ratings would be allowed to increase fees, the regulator said.
“We have worked closely with our stakeholders to ensure the school fees framework continues to support a robust and reliable private education sector that offers families a choice of affordable and high-quality education,” it said.
Education is expensive and for parents who have two or three kids, that is one of the biggest financial responsibilities ABBAS IQBAL
Parent